(Written for the 10th anniversary of the ADA, July 26, 2000
- limit was 200 words)WHY IS THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT GOOD FOR OUR
COUNTRY?by John Darrow

Henry Ford is rightly recognized for his role in making
the automobile a common part of American life. Part of his genius was that
he paid good wages and priced his product within the reach of many Americans.
These two aspects contributed to making this part of our society's life
broadly accessible, and the wide participation in these benefits helped
to make our entire nation more prosperous.

Ten years ago, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities
Act was signed into law, and similarly made many areas of American life
open to participation and contributions from many who would otherwise have
not had this opportunity. In many cases, simple, inexpensive "reasonable
accommodations" allowed disabled individuals to hold jobs, eat in restaurants,
attend movies, go shopping, or do any of a multitude of life activities
that others take for granted.

A free ride? No. A simple opportunity to participate,
and to contribute. A way to use a variety of otherwise wasted skills for
our own good, and by so doing, enrich the prosperity of society as a whole.
This is the legacy of the ADA.